Asheboro shortstop Tanner Marsh makes a throw during the 2022 season. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record)
Asheboro’s baseball prospects make various choices
ASHEBORO – Tanner Marsh said he had lots of guidance when determining his best path in baseball after he leaves Asheboro High School.
That ultimately led the versatile player to signing with Liberty during the fall signing period.
“All of my brothers are in college playing baseball and I had good advice,” Marsh said.
He also had extensive playing time in the summer, largely with Randolph County Post 45. He said manager Ronnie Pugh and the staff helped him boost his profile.
“They know a lot about baseball,” he said.
Marsh, who’s frequently a lead-off batter, said he’s expecting to play as a shortstop at Liberty. He’s also a pitcher for Asheboro and Post 45.
“Before I started getting recruited, I didn’t know Liberty was a thing,” Marsh said, noting that he received a boost when college recruiters saw him during the State Games of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. “They liked the way I carried myself on the field.”
Asheboro has other college prospects under coach Brett Hoogkamp. Davis Gore, a catcher among other positions, signed with Division II Belmont Abbey.
“He does well at numerous positions,” Hoogkamp said of Gore, who also has spent time as a third baseman, outfielder and pitcher.
Josh Meadows, a power hitter who’s a first baseman and outfielder, could land on the college level.
Tanner Marsh’s signing added to a family tradition.
Tristan Marsh began his college stops at Coastal Carolina. Trevor Marsh is in the UNC Wilmington program, and Tatum Marsh is set for another season at Brunswick Community College.
Hoogkamp said that family factor has served the youngest Marsh well.
“He’s always trying to compete with this,” Hoogkamp said. “He has figured a lot of things out. He’s loaded with talent. He does pretty well in all areas of the game.”
Tanner Marsh, 17, has more to accomplish for the Blue Comets. He’s a starting guard on the basketball team and another baseball season in the spring.
Gage Miller, a third baseman and pitcher, left the Asheboro program for his senior year to join Holly Springs-based Pro5 Academy. He’s a former North Carolina State commit, but in late November he announced his intention to attend Division I newcomer Queens of Charlotte.
